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Invitation to design new National Orders 2002

Are you a jewellery designer?
Here is an opportunity for YOU to redesign medals for the Presidential Awards of South Africa!

Jewellery designers are invited to contribute to South Africa’s rich and diverse identity by redesigning the medals for the Presidential Awards of South Africa. The National Orders are the highest awards that the President of South Africa bestows on citizens and foreign dignitaries. The challenge will be for the National Orders to reflect the country’s history, traditions and unique geographical and natural heritage.

• Background
• Symbols appropriate for the new National Orders
• The brief

Background

1.  Why a change of design for the National Orders?

The President recently launched a new Coat of Arms for South Africa, a continuation of a project started in the 1^st term, to change national symbols like the flag, national anthem, changes to names of provinces, towns, etc.

The National Orders are the highest awards that the President of South Africa bestows on citizens and foreign dignitaries. The existing system of awards carries a substantial colonial and Apartheid legacy and imagery.

In accordance with the spirit of the new South Africa and the national ethos of an African Renaissance, these awards need to be redesigned to enable the President to institute a new system of National Orders.

The objective of the new designs is that they should:

• represent the diversity of the South African population
• reflect the ethos and values of the rich diversity of South African traditions
• iInclude indigenous symbols and systems of award
• apply redress in respect to those previously excluded from national recognition.

2.  Background

The new designs should promote reconciliation and national unity, and at the same time be awarded to citizens who have made exceptional contributions to South Africa.

Embarking on this project it is worth reflecting on the following quote:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

"We ask ourselves ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of god. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do.

"We are born to make manifest the glory of the god that is within us. It is not just in some of us. It’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

It is appropriate, also, to remember heroes from this country’s history like Shaka, Gonema, Maqoma, Makhado, Sekhukhune, Cetshwayo, Hintsa, Dingane, Mkabayi, Manthatisi and Modjadji. The following personalities represent aspects of nationhood:

• King Shaka – ultimate bravery and military genious
• Manthatisi – ultimate woman power and achievement
• Mkabayi – bravery of women, capacity to run affairs of state with determination and dignity
• Modjadji – the legendary rain queen
• Moshoeshoe – founder of the Basotho nation.

Medals and tokens of award are a broadly Eurocentric concept. Traditional African societies did not need artificial tokens in order to show and bestow commendation. In the rare examples where some physical sign of commendation is given, it is usually an item of material culture, for example a plum. For an overview of indigenous systems of awards, please refer to Appendix A.

See also the "I am an African" speech by Mr TM Mbeki.

3.  The National Orders

3.1     The Woltemade award for Bravery

This medal is awarded to citizens for exceptional acts of bravery, like risking their own lives to save others.

3.2 The Order of the Southern Cross (for singular and exceptional achievement)

This medal is awarded to citizens who have displayed singular and exceptional achievement in South Africa. It is awarded to very few individuals, more often to outstanding scientists or internationally renowned individuals including Nobel Prize winners. Individuals who have been awarded this medal include Chris Barnard who performed the first heart transplant in South Africa. Recent recipients include the gold medal posthumously to Oliver R Tambo and Chief A Luthuli for singular contribution to the liberation struggle. The silver medal has been awarded to Ms N Gordimer and Professor E Mphahlele for exceptional achievement in the field of literature and to Professor P Tobias in the field of palaeontology.

3.3 The Order of the Star of SA (military and non-military, for contribution to peace and security)

This medal is awarded to citizens for the contribution to peace and security and for defending the physical integrity and sovereignty of South Africa. It must also include contributions to peace monitoring and conflict resolution.

3.4 The Order for Meritorious Service

This medal is awarded to citizens who have displayed exceptional meritorious and dedicated service to South Africa. Individuals who have been awarded this medal include Archbishop D Tutu, Dr Beyers Naude, Ms Helen Suzman and Enoch Sontonga.

 

3.5 The Order of Good Hope (for foreign Heads of State)

This medal is awarded to Heads of State and foreign dignitaries to signify peace, friendship, co-operation and goodwill.

Symbols appropriate for the new National Orders

The National Orders should reflect the rich history of the country both past and present, and the established national, cultural and social identities of the groups in South Africa. Common symbols should be utilised, linking cultural traditions, playing a unifying and integrating function, guiding transformation and embodying a vision of a new national value system for society. Symbols with a religious, sectarian or colonial connotation in design, colour or name should be avoided. Symbols could be combined in each category to give as diverse, inclusive and complete a picture as possible.  (Please refer to Appendix C for images)

Symbolic examples can be:

1.  Animals

• The lion – universally accepted in Africa as a symbol of bravery. It was not uncommon in pre-colonial Africa for the bravest person to be required to single-handedly confront and kill a lion. The king of the beasts.
• The leopard – a leopard skin is the highest honour that can be given to a respected dignitary in most of Africa, a widely recognised symbol of authority in African culture, the sexes are alike.
• The elephant – symbol of wisdom and patience, the elephant cow reigns as supreme symbol of meritorious service in most of Africa.
• The cow – represents peace and friendship, building new relationships, reconciliation in the context of slaughter and sacrifice, social welfare and mutual help. In most of Africa it represents the exchange of goodwill.
• The zebra skin (pitsi), the Bapedi royal mat.
• Bapedi war-horn of an antelope (phalafala) was used to summon all men to the royal court when the chief decided on war.
• The Zulu bull horn formation (Izimpondo zenkomo) of the AmaZulu warriors consisted of the more agile and fiery younger men.

2.  Birds

• Birds or their feathers – birds symbolise strength and life and are often fertility symbols, sometimes the power of speech is attributed to birds.
• The blue crane – Indwe (blue crane) is South Africa's national bird. Its tail feathers – isithwalandwe – are used as symbols of bravery, the emblem of war. The isithwalandwe was traditionally conferred to adorn warriors.
• The secretary bird – these birds hunt on foot, their main food are snakes which they kill by stamping or flailing them against the ground. A common motif in African pottery is a battle between birds and snakes, an emblem for the battle between life and death. The sexes are alike.
• The ostrich – a Bapedi plumed staff made of black ostrich feathers (sefoka) and carried into battle by warriors.

3.  South Africa’s unique geographical and natural heritage

• The confluence of the two oceans at Cape Point.
• The Kalahari desert and sand dunes.
• The plains of the Great Karoo.
• Mountains and mountain ranges – Table Mountain and the Drakensberg.
• Waterfalls.
• Indigenous forests.

4.  South Africa’s flora

Plants suitable for using in the designs need to have the following combination of features:

• African and preferably South African in origin.
• Symmetrical and ornate, lending themselves to be stylised and caricaturised.
• Have profound and positive symbolic, cultural or historical significance.

Plants may be appropriate for symbols because of the well-known diversity of the South African flora, widely known to be unique in the world. The following plants fulfil all these requirements.

• Resurrection bush (Myrothamnus flabellifolius; see People’s Plants, ref 1, p. 176, ref. 2 p. 108)

Southern African: highly ornate, fan-shaped, symmetrical little leaves.

Powerful symbolism: The vernacular names uvukwabafile and resurrection bush refer to the remarkable ability of the seemingly dead leaves to rapidly unfold and turn green when placed in water. The plant is an important African medicine for colds and respiratory ailments, but its main significance lies in the traditional use in the psychological treatment of severely depressed people. Sangomas would tell the patient to place a small twig in water and then give witness to the transformation. The miraculous conversion of seemingly dead dry leaves shows that miracles are possible, that things can unexpected change for the better. It is hard to find a better symbolism for adaptability – the plant dries out (dies) in the dry season, but resurrects immediately after the first rain.

• Mopane (Colophospermum mopane; see People’s Plants, ref 2, p. 286)

Southern African: highly ornate and symmetrical (two-lobed) leaves.

Powerful symbolism in many southern African cultures. The tree gives life to all – it provides shelter, heat, food and medicine, and has special cultural and religious significance. As with the resurrection bush, the symbolism extends to adaptability and rapid response to adversity - this tree responds to drought stress in the daytime by folding the leaflets onto one another to reduce water loss, like a butterfly closing its wings. The mopane is perhaps one of the most versatile of all African trees – the leaves are browsed by cattle and eaten by the larvae of the spectacular mopane moth (mopane worms, an African delicacy). Young trees are used as the main source of poles for hut construction and the wood burns readily even when green. It gives off a sweet smell and an intense heat (with coals lasting for several hours) and is the only firewood traditionally used for the sacred (ancestral) fire. The bark provides a strong rope for tying roof rafters and the bark and roots are widely used in traditional medicine.

• Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens; see People’s Plants, ref. 1, p. 144 & ref. 2 p. 146).

Southern African: widespread in the Kalahari region from the Northern Cape to the Free State and also Limpopo (extending into Botswana, Namibia, Angola and West Zimbabwe). They are highly ornate and often highly symmetrical fruits (one needs to choose symmetrical ones).

Significance: The plant is one of only three plants to be depicted in San rock paintings – this testifies to the special importance in San culture. It has become widely known in most parts of the world as an effective tonic and remedy for arthritis and rheumatisms (the indication for pain is supported by clinical evidence). The dried secondary root is one of the most profound of all natural tonics and is used for a wide variety of ailments in rural areas. Formidable thorns on the fruit ensure that it is widely and effectively dispersed by animals and its ability to survive the dry desert regions of the Kalahari is remarkable.

• Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum; see People’s Plants, ref. 2, p. 12.)

Truly African in origin: highly ornate oblong heads of grain (reminiscent of a warrior’s spear)

Symbolism: the grain was used by Zulu warriors while on military campaigns (ground popcorn made from this cereal was carried in leather bags as a lightweight but high energy food). (Who says popcorn is an American invention?)

• Poison bulb (Boophane disticha; see People’s Plants, ref. 1, p. 60, and ref 2, p. 156)

Widely distributed in South Africa. Highly ornate, symmetrical, fan-shaped 'head' of leaves.

Powerful symbolism: The plant is hallucinogenic and is often used to 'see' in the metaphysical sense, or to diagnose and treat mental problems. It is also used to induce a trance state. Of particular interest was the discovery of an ancient (2000-year old) mummy in the Baviaanskloof area in the Cape which has been mummified with gifbol bulb scales. This shows that the connection of the plant with the ancestors is more than just symbolic. Practically all cultures in South Africa use the gifbol and have stories and legends to tell – from hunting poison to the treatment of circumcision wounds (both as antibiotic and for pain).

• Cancer bush (Sutherlandia frutescens; see People’s Plants, ref 1 p. 246 and ref 2 p. 148)

Restricted to southern Africa (mainly the dry interior). Highly ornate blood red flowers (often in symmetrical pairs) and equally ornate bladdery fruits (reminiscent of and symbolic of the goat’s gall bladder traditionally worn by Sangomas).

Powerful symbolism: A profound tonic used in time of great need and emergency, such as the flu epidemic of 1918. Widely used in the Khoi culture to treat internal cancers (recent anecdotes and chemical rationale support this use). Nowadays used as an effective tonic to improve the quality of life of AIDS victims. The plant has anti-depressant effects and was used by the widows of Zulu warriors (those who did not return from the battlefield) to support their stress and to prevent hairs loss (hence the Zulu name unwele for the plant).

• Umhlaba/bitter aloe (Aloe ferox; see ref 1 p. 40 and ref. 2 p. 140).

Restricted to South Africa: highly ornate erect growth form and red flowers, with gracefully recurved leaves (best seen in profile/silhouette; the above-mentioned photos do not do it justice).

One of only three plants clearly identifiable in San rock paintings. A well -known South African plant that is known all over the world as a source of medicine. Widely used in many cultures as a laxative and general tonic, in both human and ethnoveterinary practises. Aloes are symbols of resilience, survival and extreme diversity; they are also truly African (all 420 species of aloes were originally found only on Africa and Madagascar).

• Trees and fynbos – yellow wood, wild olive and lead wood.

• The mohlare tree – whose branches grate against one another to produce a particular sound and represent magical powers in Bapedi royal insignia.

• The baobab tree – still used in traditional African communities to hold important meetings.

• The willow tree – a branch is the counterpart of the modern-day university degree (Iziqu).

• Red grass – a tall erect, tufted perennial and a symbol of the sustaining and nourishing force of livestock.

• Flowers – the Protea, Stelitzea and Aloe.

(Please refer to Appendix B – Reading list)

5.  South Africa’s mineral wealth

• Gold, platinum, copper.
• Gemstones.

6.  Celestial bodies

• The sun (Ilanga).
• The morning star (ikhwezi).
• The constellation of the Southern Cross.
• Nomkhubulwana – Acknowledged throughout Africa as the legendary princess of heaven, she symbolises purity, giver of rain and fertility, the counterpart of the ancient Egyptianisis.

7.  Material objects

• Drums – in Africa drums are associated with every event in life, they are the echoes of its existence, representing speech, divine truth, revelation, tradition and the rhythm of the universe. As a rain-making device they can revive the seemingly 'dead' South African society into a vibrant and healthy community.
  • The sacred drum symbolising the salvation of the Venda (Ngomalungundu), used by the king, and believed to work miracles and that it had magic and killing powers.

• Spears and shields – symbolise bravery and determination, as well as singleness of purpose.
  • The Bapedi leather shield (kotsi or thebe) or assegai (lerumo), club (molamu) and a battleaxe (selepe).
  • The Zulu spears, the heavy bladed spear (iklwa), the smaller version spear (intlekwana), and the hurling spears (isijula).

• Beadwork – a common art form in all African societies, traditionally, all beadwork is symbolic.
• The royal beads (pheta yathaga) worn around the neck and loins by Bapedi chiefs.
• The beads worn by young women to celebrate purity and virginity (Isidanga). These beads are presently used to denote a university degree since it symbolises transition and rites of passage.

• Armbands – a band made of ivory, from the tusk of an elephant (umxhaga), was made by special amaXhosa people only in the royal kraal. They were given only by the supreme chief, as his prerogative, to persons of considerable calibre.

• Crowns – a victory crown awarded to regiments in recognition of distinguished service on the battlefield (Isicoco) and the victory crown worn by married women in recognition of having overcome the hazards of the journey to marriage (Isicholo).

• The Coil – a sacred grass ring (iNkatha) used by the Bhaca people to symbolise the chieftainship and the unity of the chiefdom. It was believed to protect the king and the chiefdom from misfortune.

8.  Archaeological artefacts

South Africa is referred to a one of the cradles of humanity and the Sterkfontein site was recently awarded World Heritage status. Numerous objects excavated from sites all over South Africa could inspire the brief, for example:

• The Golden Rhinoceros of Mapungubwe (1000 AD – 1300 AD).
• The Lydenburg Heads of the Mpumalanga area (500 AD).

The ancient societies of Mapungubwe, Ditakong, Rolong, Kaditshwene, Thlaping and Thulamela have left South Africa a legacy of artefacts that have become symbols in themselves.

(Please refer to Appendix B – Reading list)

The Brief: 2 October 2000

A. The brief

1. Symbols

The overall comment from national focus groups is that the design, composition, names and symbolism should reflect South Africa’s cultural diversity and history. Symbols and images used by the majority in the country should be incorporated in the new system of National Orders and honours. Sensitivity to race, gender, religion, ethnicity and history should be borne in mind.

2. Names

The names for the National Orders should be reconsidered and the following recommendations have been made:

• that the names be neutral, simple and understandable
• that the names could be known and written in an indigenous language, like the motto of the new Coat of Arms
• that the use of material symbols be explored as names, for example, the plume and the drum and be popularised in an indigenous language
• the above could also apply to the indigenous flora and fauna environments in South Africa.

The allocation of names of persons should be carefully considered in the establishment of any National Orders.

3. Design

The design for the National Orders should be reconsidered. The following recommendations have been made:

• that they be simple
• that they capture indigenous symbols and cultural heritage
• that they reflect an inclusive history of South Africa as an African State
• that they depict the rich design and jewellery environment of South Africa.

4. Executional requirements

In designing the new National Orders, the following executional requirements need to be taken into account.

• Material

The material used in the creation of the new National Orders should take into account the following recommendations:

• the highest rank of the individual medals be cast in gold as South Africa is a major gold producer
• the individual medals could reflect other metals and minerals e.g. platinum, diamonds, coal and chrome.
• the individual medals may not include synthetic gems, rough or uncut diamonds, ivory or any elephant products, tortoise shell or any material from endangered species.

• Ribbons

The recommendation is that the medals continue to be hung around the necks of the recipients. Consideration should be given to reflecting beadwork patterns in the ribbons. Natural indigenous fibres could be used when weaving the ribbons.

• Casting

The South African Mint will execute any casting that could be required in the production of the new National Orders.

• Enamelling

To reflect colours in the National Orders, consideration may be given to the use of enamelling.

B. Individual medals

1. The Woltemade Award for Bravery

• Symbolism

Recommendations are that the symbolism on this medal both in name and design should be replaced by symbolism that is more representative of the country as a whole. It would add value if symbols used by indigenous people to award their own heroes could be considered. Proposed specific symbols for bravery are:

• the shield or spear
• a brave animal – lion, leopard or elephant
• a blue crane.

• Name

Proposed names could be:

• The National Honour of Bravery, The Order of Bravery, The Presidential Award for Bravery, or Award for Bravery – Honoured by South Africa for Bravery.
• The Blue Crane.
• The Lion.
• The Spear.

• Design

Recommendations are that medals be changed to a round shape instead of a cross. Some felt that a shield and/or a spear could be adopted because it expresses bravery. The emblems should be replaced to be representative of the country as a whole.

• Executional requirements

• Material cost to produce each medal must not exceed: R11 000.00
• Two classes, traditionally in the past gold and silver version.

2. The Order of the Southern Cross (for singular and exceptional achievement)

• Symbolism

Recommendations are that the symbolism and image of the Southern Cross looks foreign to the local South African communities. Proposed specific symbols for this medal are:

• a rainbow
• a baobab tree
• a leopard
• isicoco
• isidanga
• iziqu
• isicholo.

• Name

Proposed names could be:

• The Order of the Southern Star, The National Star of Achievement, Order of the Star of South Africa, or The South Star for the People of South Africa.
• The Leopard.

• Design

Recommendations are that many are not aware that it represented celestial stars, and that the design and structure of the medal should be indigenised. Some felt that the star should be changed to a round medal with an inscription.

• Executional requirements

• Material cost to produce each medal must not exceed: R12 000.00
• One class, traditionally in the past gold or platinum and 0.5 carat diamond.

3. The Order of the Star of SA (military and non-military, for contribution to peace and security)

• Symbolism

The current medal reminded respondents of the values and symbolism of a European perspective. Proposed specific symbols for this medal are:

• the sun
• animals - lion, bull of buffalo
• the protea
• spear and shields.

• Name

Proposals ranged from removing the word 'Order' and that the word 'Patriot' could be included, other proposed names could be:

• The Star of South Africa
• The Order of the Star of South Africa
• The Honour of the Star of South Africa
• The Lion, Bull or Buffalo
• The Spear or Shield.

• Design

If the name contains the word 'star', recommendations are that the design and structure of the medal changes to a simple star.

• Executional requirements

• Material cost to produce each medal must not exceed: R11 000.00
• Military: Three classes, traditionally in the past gold, silver and bronze versions.
• Non-Military Society: Thee classes, traditionally in the past gold, silver and bronze versions.

4. The Order of Meritorious Service

• Symbolism

The current medal reminded respondents of colonialism and the legacy of the past and presented a Eurocentric vision. The cross also had a particular religious connotation. Proposed specific symbols for this medal are:

• the South African flag as a background African beadwork
• a patient animal - the elephant cow
• the baobab
• the Sun
• nomkhubulwane.

• Name

Proposals ranged from removing the word 'Meritorious' as it is felt to be boring, outdated and academic. Other proposed names could be:

• National Order, Outstanding Service
• The Bead of Meritorious Service
• The Honour of Meritorious Service
• Award of Merit
• Pride of People.

• Design

Recommendations are also that the design and structure be changed to a round or oval shape with symbols in the middle.

• Executional requirements

• Material cost to produce each medal must not exceed: R11 000.00
• Three classes, traditionally in the past gold, silver and bronze versions.

5. The Order of Good Hope (for foreign Heads of State)

• Symbolism

The current medal’s colours, multi-rayed star, anchor and Latin inscription had negative connotations for the respondents. It is, however, important that the new symbols represent South Africa as it is awarded to foreigners. Proposed specific symbols for this medal are:

• descending doves – or an indigenous bird that symbolises peace
• the protea
• two people shaking hands – representing gratitude
• a scale of justice
• animals – leopard, cow
• the coil.

• Name

Proposals ranged from removing the name 'Good Hope' as it reminds some of Vasco da Gama – a symbol of colonialism. Other proposed names could be:

• the Order of Friendship.
• the Order of Peace or Goodwill
• the Cow.

• Design

Recommendations are also that the design and structure be changed to a round shape with symbols in the middle.

• Executional requirements

• Material cost to produce each medal must not exceed: R11 000.00
• Three classes, traditionally in the past gold or platinum, silver and bronze versions.

C. The process

The designers are requested to develop their designs within the given recommendations listed above and the presentation requirements listed below.

The designer sketches will be presented to the client. A formal presentation will be arranged, so that the designers can speak about their designs and reasons for the executions they have developed.

It is hoped that after this presentation one set of designs will be recommended for final reworking. The reworking of the chosen design will be done in close consultation with the Chair of the Advisory Council on National Orders. The Chancellery will consult with all the role-players - the Bureau of Heraldry, the South African Mint, etc. - to ensure that all executional requirements are met.

The client will ratify the design and motivate its adoption with regard to a Cabinet Memo. The Presidency with the GCIS as a partner will motivate for its adoption by the Cabinet.

Designs must be original and may not have been offered for sale, publicly displayed or entered into any previous competition. The copyright of the design will rest with The Presidency and the South African State.

D. Presentation

1. Presentation requirements

The designers must present their sets of designs in the following way:

• a full-colour sketch version to fill the size of an A4 page.
• a second set of sketches must include technical manufacturing specifications, method of construction, and material to be used
• a full-colour sketch of the actual size of the medals.

2. Motivational requirements

Designers must include written motivations for their designs. The designers will also be expected to personally present their designs to the client and be able to discuss with the client for further clarification if necessary.

E. Deadlines

The client requests that the designers deliver their work to the Government Communication and Information System according to the presentational requirements listed above no later than end Thursday, 30 November 2000.

The client will inform the short-listed designers of the date, time and venue of when they will be required to present their motivations within two weeks of delivery deadline.

F. Budget and recompense

The winning designer will be eligible for a once of development fee. The material cost to produce the medals will be paid for by the South African Government.

1. Design winner

A once off award of R1 500.00 for the chosen design for each medal.

2. Production

The SA Mint will produce the actual medals in consultation with the designer.

3. Procurement of material

The designer must give a detailed costing of the material they intend to use for each medal.

4. Publicity and promotions

The designer will be publicly identified as the person responsible for the redesign of the medals and will benefit from the communication campaign that will surround the announcement of the new designs and the awarding of the medals to specific people identified by the President of South Africa.

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Last modified: 19 August 2008 15:10:45.